If possible, try and work with the complainant to understand the nature of the complaint. For example, try and establish if there is a particular time of day that is the problem. Also try and establish the type of noise that is the concern, for example, is it impulsive (such as banging), or tonal (such as from a large fan) or a particular activity such as reversing sirens on vehicles. Keep records of any discussions as if the complaint goes to court, the proof that you have tried to work with the complainant should be of benefit to you.
There are recognised procedures for assessing whether noises from industrial sites are likely to cause complaints and whether these can be justified complaints. This would be the next step, or the first step if the complainant is uncooperative.
If the assessment shows that complaints are justified, a Noise Prediction Model will allow the effect of changing wall heights, relocating equipment, replacement by quieter equipment and so on. The cost of running a Noise Prediction Model is trivial compared to the cost of making any changes and therefore should be the next step.
For further information on noise please click here.